The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Fred George Losel, Jr. (ASN: US-56707942), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Losel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 May 1968, while serving as Radiotelephone Operator for the artillery forward observer of Company B, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in the Cholon sector of Saigon, Vietnam. When the forward observer was wounded and unable to continue, Specialist Losel took command of the radio and began calling in gunships and artillery against a formidable enemy bunker complex. For the next five and a half hours, Specialist Losel was in the forefront, adjusting supporting fire against the enemy as the second platoon moved forward on the attack. While in the process of directing a gunship against an enemy-held house, Specialist Losel was mortally wounded. His courageous actions enabled the platoon to maneuver with a minimum loss of men, and were responsible for saving many friendly lives. Specialist Losel’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.